A Lake Michigan Sunset | Photo by Brad Reed
Take a Car Ferry Shortcut Between Traverse City, Michigan and Green Bay, Wisconsin
Northeastern Wisconsin and Northwest Michigan have a lot in common. Situated across Lake Michigan from each other, the scenery boasts rolling countryside, magnificent lake views, and miles of beautiful beaches.
Traverse City to Green Bay the Easy Way!
Should you wish to travel from Traverse City to Green Bay, the S.S. Badger is the way to go. Take a scenic drive of less than two hours from Traverse City to Ludington, Michigan. Ludington is the home port of the Lake Michigan Carferry, and a wonderful community to visit. In Ludington, you can board the S.S. Badger carferry and enjoy a relaxing four hour cruise to Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Once in Manitowoc, you have less than an hour’s drive to Green Bay.
S.S. Badger Carferry Amenities
The fun isn’t just found on land…there are lots of entertaining activities aboard the S.S. Badger as it makes its four hour trip across Lake Michigan. Find a lounge chair out on the spacious deck and soak up the sun, play Badger Bingo, watch a movie, shop in the Badger Boatique, or enjoy a meal or drink. The trip will fly by, and you may not want to disembark!
Congratulations to the S.S. Badger on its status as a National Historic Landmark! Click here to read more about the history of this great ship.
Experience More Lake Michigan Circle Tours
Here are suggested Circle Tour routes which utilize one of Lake Michigan’s ferry services to take a short cut across the lake.
Do you want to travel between Traverse City, Michigan and Green Bay, Wisconsin? Take a short cut across Lake Michigan on the car ferry.
The Southern Lake Michigan Circle Tour goes from Manitowoc, Wisconsin around Lake Michigan, eventually ending in Ludington, Michigan.
More Lake Michigan Ferry Info
Loop the Lake with a Circle Tour Shortcut!
Here are suggested Circle Tour routes which utilize one of Lake Michigan’s ferry services to take a short cut across the lake.
Lake Michigan Ferries
There are two car ferries operating on Lake Michigan, offering cross-lake service for vehicles and passengers between Michigan and Wisconsin.
SS Badger Car Ferry
Cross Lake Michigan between Manitowoc, Wisconsin and Ludington, Michigan on the SS Badger car ferry. Save the driving and enjoy a cruise!
Port of Manitowoc, Wisconsin
The Port of Manitowoc is a deep water draft commercial harbor on Lake Michigan, and the Wisconsin port for the SS Badger car ferry.
Car Ferry History
Lake Michigan is rich with car ferry history, and the SS Badger car ferry is the most storied of the car ferry fleet.
Manitowoc Wisconsin Car Ferry
Manitowoc is the Wisconsin port for the S.S. Badger Car Ferry which sails across Lake Michigan to Ludington.
Highway US-10
The Highway US-10 continuance crosses Lake Michigan between Manitowoc, Wisconsin and Ludington, Michigan via the SS Badger car ferry.
Discover More Lake Michigan Destinations
Algoma, Wisconsin
Located just 35 minutes east of Green Bay, Algoma welcomes visitors to their sandy beaches, historic downtown, and fun festivals.
Zion, Illinois
Sitting on Illinois’ border with Wisconsin sits Zion. One of the only cities in the world to be fully planned before being built.
Lake Forest, Illinois
Lake Forest began as a town in 1857 and is a convenient destination for visitors travelling south to Chicago.
Whiting, Indiana
Whiting is a small town with a lot of personality. Stand on its beach and you’ll get a grand view of Chicago’s skyline.
Sister Bay, Wisconsin
Sister Bay is mostly known as Northern Door County’s largest village for food and drink. Be sure to visit Sister Bay, Wisconsin.
Manistique, Michigan
Manistique is a harbor town and was formerly known as a lumber transfer town as well as a popular commercial fishing port.